This baked salmon in foil is a fan-favorite for a reason! It comes together super quickly, and you’ll love the bold Mediterranean flavors with garlic, fresh thyme, earthy paprika, and a buttery lemon sauce. The foil parcels make for easy clean-up, but they also lock in the moisture and flavor for tender, flaky salmon. Grab my tips and watch how I make it in the video below.
Tin foil dinner packets are a thing of beauty–quick to prepare and easy clean up! And one of my absolute favorites is this Mediterranean-baked salmon and vegetables in foil, an (arguably) easier version of classic Salmon En Papillote. It is so darn easy to make, but the end result definitely looks and eats kinda fancy. You can serve it right in the foil packet, if you like, no shame in that!
I see recipes like this foil baked salmon as an opportunity to use up whatever vegetables I have on hand. With the abundance of summer squash, zucchini and tomatoes these days, that’s what I used this time around. But this recipe will work well with other vegetables like green beans, asparagus, broccoli…you can change things up to meet your needs.
Mediterranean-Style Baked Salmon in Foil
Here’s the gist. Salmon fillet pieces (about 5 ounces each) and a few chopped colorful veggies are wrapped together in individual foil parcels and quickly baked to tender perfection. I heat my oven to 400 degrees F, and this dinner is typically ready in 20 to 25 minutes!
But let’s not forget the flavor makers. The bold Mediterranean flavors is what draws me in every single time. Garlic and fresh thyme, plus a “secret sauce” made with Greek extra virgin olive oil, butter, fresh lemon juice, a little earthy paprika (oh, and more garlic!) The sauce totally seals the deal on flavor and also helps keep the salmon nice and moist.
Never-Dry Baked Salmon in Foil
Even for those who don’t have a lot of experience cooking salmon and may be afraid of drying it out, this recipe is a foolproof way to arrive at perfectly tender flaky salmon–same goes for foil-wrapped shrimp, by the way! No big skills needed. 
The trick is in the foil parcels (and by the way, if you prefer, you can use parchment.) The foil (or parchment) parcels holding the salmon and veggies, allow everything to cook quickly and evenly, while sealing in moisture and flavor. And as I said earlier, it totally helps that we add in a tasty sauce.
Baking time will vary a little, depending on how thick your salmon is. It helps to take the salmon out of the fridge for a few minutes to bring it closer to room temperature before baking. Another thing to remember is that baked salmon is ready when its internal temperature reaches anywhere between 125 degrees F to 140 degrees F, depending on how well-done you like it. An instant read thermometer like this one could be helpful in taking the guess work out. (More tips on how to bake salmon perfectly here.)
What to serve with this Baked Salmon?
With the veggies already included in this salmon dinner, you won’t need a whole lot more. I’ll often make a little Lebanese rice or Greek lemon rice to go along with it. And for a starter, try Gazpacho soup or a bright salad like balela; Mediterranean 3-Bean Salad; or Greek Salad.
Watch video for This Mediterranean Oven Baked Salmon in Foil:
More Recipes to Try:
Blanched Asparagus with Mediterranean Salsa
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Mediterranean-Style Oven Baked Salmon in Foil
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: serves 4
Description
Mediterranean-Style foil baked salmon and veggies with garlic, fresh thyme and a delicious sauce of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and a hint of butter. Be sure to watch the video above.
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon fillets, 5-oz each
- Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 15 Garlic Cloves, crushed or finely chopped, divided
- 4 Fresh thyme springs (or 2–3 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 summer squash, any kind, halved and sliced
- 1 large tomato, halved and sliced
- 2 large green onions, both white and green parts, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 large lemon, juice of
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
- Lemon wedges to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare 4 12″x 17″ pieces of foil on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil generously over each of the salmon fillets, then place the salmon fillets, oiled side down, on the prepared foil sheets.
- Spread 1/2 of the crushed garlic over the salmon fillets, and season with salt, pepper. Add thyme.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining crushed garlic with the melted butter, 1/3 cup olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and paprika.
- Place veggies in a large bowl or tray, pour the sauce over, toss to combine.
- Divide the vegetables into 4 equal portions over (or next to) the salmon fillets. Fold the foil over the salmon and vegetables, cover completely and seal shut.
- Bake in the 400 degree F heated-oven for 20-25 minutes.
- When ready, carefully transfer the salmon and vegetable foil packets with a spatula to individual serving plates. Serve with lemon wedges. (see our suggestions up top for what to serve along) Enjoy!
Notes
- The salmon fillets are meant to be eaten right out of the foil. However, if you prefer to remove them, once baked, let the salmon fillets sit in the foil for 3-5 minutes and then very carefully lift each out with a large metal spatula.
- Recommended for this Recipe: Our Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil (from organically grown and processed Koroneiki olives!)
- Visit our store to browse our spices, olive oils and bundles!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
*This post first appeared on The Mediterranean Dish in 2015 and has been recently updated with new information and media for users’ benefit. Enjoy!
It’s like a taste of going on a Greek vacation without having to use your passport. Bonus that it’s easy clean up too.
It sure is! Glad you enjoyed.
I love foil dinners. Thanks for a new one to try.
This was a huge hit with my family! Such an easy dinner!
I never baked salmon in foil. Sounds pretty easy. I love the flavors and how easy this recipe is. I must make this asap.
What a great foil recipe and perfect for summer!!! Looking forward to throwing this on the grill tonight!
What an absolutely delicious meal. And so easy, with barely any clean-up. What a keeper!
I am so happy I found this recipe! My husband just came home with salmon and I can’t wait to make this!
Gotta love it when dinner is as colorful, flavorful and easy as this yummy salmon is!
Yes! Hope you enjoy it!
Love! And totally agree with you that baking salmon in a foil will never dry it out!
Love how easy this looks and those veggies and salmon make for the perfect healthy combo!
I love salmon! I’m always looking for new recipes, can’t wait to try this one!
So many things to love about this recipe: easy, tasty, and quick clean up! All things I need during my busy summer holiday!
So good! Love the flavor and so easy to make!
Absolutely scrumptious! So easy and we all loved this salmon!!
This salmon turned out so moist and flavorful! Love it!
Thanks Suzy! A great recipe loved by all the family. A real hit!
Yay, thank you for try it, Joanne!